Criticism from all sides! Xavi already in Dutch hot water

Xavi Hernández has only been the new Netherlands national coach for a day, and already heavy criticism is pouring in. Several former internationals have spoken out clearly against the decision to appoint Xavi as the new Oranje boss.

“I think there should be a Dutch coach. When it comes to communication and things like that, it’s a bit more pleasant when there’s a Dutch coach involved,” former international Theo Janssen told 'Ziggo Sport'.

Daley Blind, who last played for Oranje in 2024, agreed with Janssen. “I would also prefer a Dutchman. I think they missed an opportunity with Peter Bosz. I suspect that if they had pursued it further — before the World Cup — he would have gone for it.”

But instead of Bosz, who is currently coaching PSV Eindhoven, Xavi was chosen as the new Oranje coach. Former Netherlands star Hans Kraay Jr. also would have preferred Bosz as national coach, but then still backed the Spaniard in comments to 'Sport 1'.

“He’s no hack. He plays attacking football. We can look forward to beautiful, quality football. Now that the decision has been made, we will fully stand behind Xavi.”

From Xavi’s point of view, all that remains is to hope that his Oranje debut is a success.

On 24 September 2026, he will begin the Nations League with the Netherlands against Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The DFB team will also arrive with a new coach in Jürgen Klopp. As they say in football circles?

That’s right, the pressure is really on.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 JORGE GUERRERO - AFP or Licensors